Justin Abdelkader was born February 25, 1987 in Muskegon, Michigan. The second round, 42nd overall selection of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Abdelkader is a graduate of the Michigan State Spartans.

A great two-way player, Abdelkader's productive stint at Michigan State included a national championship-clinching goal in the 2007 title game and a most outstanding player award in the 2007 Frozen Four. Following his graduation from Michigan State, he appeared in his first NHL game with the Red Wings in a April 3, 2008 contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

After splitting time between the AHL and NHL during his first two professional campaigns, Abdelkader would suit up in 74 games for the Red Wings during the 2010-11 season, scoring seven times and adding 12 assists. The following season he in dressed in all but one game for the Red Wings, finding the back of the net eight times, while proving to be a tenacious checker. His strong two-way play was rewarded when he was named to the American team for the 2012 World Championship.

Abdelkader would show an increase in offensive production during the 2014-15 season. He reached the 20-goal and 40-point marks for the first time in his career, finishing the season with 23 and 44 respectively. The following season, Abdelkader would set a new career-high with 23 assists.

In the summer of 2016, Abdelkader represented the United States at the World Cup of Hockey, where he scored one goal in three games.